Welcome to your new role with the list, Roger, and blessings for the
journey.

Rather than moderating the message traffic on the list, one preferred
approach to limiting SPAM is to moderate who joins. A common practice
among SPAMers is to search out lists they can join without being
approved in some way. When they find them they sign up and dump their
loads. By moderating who joins--setting the list so that joining
requires your approval--allows you to ask for more information about who
a person is and why he or she desires to join this community.

As for introduction, I am Chris Hammon out of Louisville, Kentucky. I am
on staff with the Wayne E. Oates Institute where my focus is on
administering online lifelong learning in ministry for chaplains,
counselors, congregational leaders, and parish nurses. Wayne Oates,
perhaps most widely known for coining the term "workaholic," was a
pioneer in pastoral care and counseling. He placed a high value on
integrative approaches in bringing the caregiving disciplines together
in providing comprehensive, compassionate care to all persons (body,
mind, and spirit). Our work is to continue that legacy through
republishing his books (he wrote 58), providing continuing pastoral and
professional education programs approved for various discipline
requirements, and continuing to encourage the spirit of collaborative
care. I am also adjunct faculty with the Doctor of Ministry program at
Drew University's Theological School in Madison, New Jersey.

Perhaps more importantly as an introduction is what I do for fun. I am
an avid cyclist that enjoys bicycle touring on my recumbent. I am also a
storyteller that enjoys spending hours over delightful meals or coffee
swapping stories -- which I find to also be a meaningful part of my
experience with online communities and some of the seminars I lead (such
as "The Power to Bless" or "Hope and Wholeness").

Since my ministry role is as a continuing education provider, I am
primarily a listener here.

Blessings,
Chris

/________________________________________
A. Christopher Hammon, D.Min.
Administrator, WEOI Online Learning Center //
Wayne E. Oates Institute
A Learning Community Advancing Care for the Whole Person
http://www.oates.org/




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